Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 12:11

"because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus." — John 12:11 (ASV)

The response of the crowds to Jesus brought another crisis to his enemies. So many were becoming his followers that the priestly party was sure that their fears as expressed by Caiaphas were justified. Their resolution to destroy Jesus was strengthened, and in their wild madness of unbelief they even contemplated the possibility of removing Lazarus, since his restoration to life was an undeniable witness to Jesus’ power.